LOVE YOURSELF MORE

A few years ago the church I attend started using a quote on their ink pens, signs, etc. It said, “where everybody is somebody.” At the time I was somewhat confused because I thought, “of course they are, duh.” Much later, I reflected on the quote or slogan and I thought that what they were conveying was that “you matter.”

I was raised with a high regard for self-worth. I wasn’t raised to think I was better than anyone else but more like the fact that I was as good as anyone else. I have always “thought” that I could do pretty much anything that I set my mind to and there are very few things that I have tried that I couldn’t do. I might not be great at it but I could do it.

I do a lot of self-development now and have come to realize that my mindset is not like that for everyone. I just assumed that everyone felt like I did. I assumed that everyone felt like they mattered and that they were worthy. However, I have found that not everyone was raised believing in themselves.

I Can’t

Unfortunately, some people can say things to themselves that they would never say to someone else. If you ever use the words, “I can’t” then you are setting limits and YOU are the reason that you can’t. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t do open heart surgery but if I went to school and trained in that specialty then I could. Try reminding yourself that you CAN do whatever is your goal, you just might need training or help. The Lord can make ALL things possible. Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Flaws

EVERYONE has flaws! Jesus was the only person to ever walk this earth that had NO flaws, the rest of us have plenty of them. So what, who cares? Yes, I have lumps and bumps. Yes, my arm does jiggle. Yes, my thighs rub together when I walk. Yes, I have to wear contacts or readers. Yes, I ache when I stand up to walk sometimes. YES!!! I am ALIVE! YES!!! I am the Lord’s creation. YES!!! He made me perfect in His eyes.

Comparison

The biggest robber of joy is in comparison. Why, oh why do we feel the need to compare ourselves to others? Why do we think someone else’s life is so much better than ours? There are plenty of bloggers out there who write better than me. There are plenty of bloggers out there who are much thinner and prettier than me. I am going to stop there before I put my self in depression. The point is, so……… I don’t know what their life is like. I don’t know if they are just as insecure about something as I am. It shouldn’t matter! You are YOU. Notice that I ended that sentence with a period. Don’t ever try to be someone you are not because you will just end up being miserable. Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

If you have ever been told a “lie” that you are not good enough then give it to the Lord. The Lord didn’t tell you that. He does not believe that and neither should you. Let go of the lie and instead repeat that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are HIS creation. No one else can be you and you can’t be anyone else. Live the life that the Lord wants for you.

James 1:5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Years ago someone who was angry with me said “you can’t do anything right.” That really hurt and has stuck with me. When I am struggling I often remember this and figure that person was right. People don’t realize words can hurt and have a lifelong effect on someone. Even though that person said they were sorry and didn’t mean it, I can never forget it. It fills me with self doubt every day.

I am sure that they didn’t mean what they said, Beth. Some people just believe in going for the “jugular” during an argument. They will do and say anything to win the fight. You just need to remember who was the one talking, a human who is fallible or the LLord and Savior. Which one are you going to believe?

Beth,I was raised in an environment where saying hurtful things when angry was the norm. I think I can relate to your feelings. The comments stay with you. It is hard. I think most of it was a pattern of them repeating what was done to them when they were kids. It isn’t us, it is a reflection on how they feel. I made a vow never to do that to my daughter. God bless.

This could have been my blog today also. When I was young I remember thinking I could do anything. If someone could show me how to do brain surgery I could do it. Lol. Now I’m my 50’s and have felt like I was old and couldn’t do anything. Since my gastric bypass surgery and significant weight loss, I am trying to remember the girl I was. I just finished the Bible study “She’s Still There.” I am trying to adapt this new way of thinking…or should I stay my “old” way and f thinking. Tania, thank you for the reminder.

I was having doubts today. Using you as an instrument he reminded me through the passage of Matthew 19:26 that with his help anything is possible. If only my husband would believe that too I know things would get better.

We are always harder on ourselves. If you girls want to do something fun with your girlfriends, go see I feel pretty. Super cute movie! My husband was sweet enough to go with me and there were only two men in the theater, including him. He said he liked it too. It’s funny, but has a good message.

I was having this very conversation on Saturday with a dear friend. She has a mentoring non-profit in the Dallas area. So many children and teens have never been told that they matter, that they are unconditionally loved, that they are as good as anyone else. Those are the ones who become our dropouts, our felons, and so on. Her name is Dena Petty and her organization is Mentors Care. Dena was a homeless teen herself. Her organization has 148 mentors in 3 high schools. She is the vessel that God is working through. When you have a chance, check out her website.